Series of informal zoom meetings called the OZ Whitehead Firesides, where we discuss topics related to discourses in society affecting humanity from a Baha’i perspective.
All content for OZ Whitehead Firesides is the property of OZ Whitehead Firesides and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Series of informal zoom meetings called the OZ Whitehead Firesides, where we discuss topics related to discourses in society affecting humanity from a Baha’i perspective.
“Forest to Furniture: Ideas in the Making", by Philip Koomen
OZ Whitehead Firesides
28 minutes 44 seconds
4 years ago
“Forest to Furniture: Ideas in the Making", by Philip Koomen
The furniture designer and master craftsperson Philip Koomen takes you on his creative journey that began in 1975 when he was inspired by Baha’u’llah’s vision of the role of the arts and crafts in an unfolding global civilisation. Following his presentation Philip will welcome a discussion on the nature of creative practice.
“The source of the arts, crafts and sciences is the power of reflection…” Baha’i Writings
Philip’s creative practice explores the relationship between craft, design and art in balance with an ethical and sustainable practice; a meditation on beauty and truth.
He has completed over 1800 commissions including in the UK, USA, France, Germany, The Netherlands and Japan. He designed and made the meeting table for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of the UK. To view the video visit our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/xi1eDXP4mPI
In 2006 he was awarded a doctorate in Sustainable Furniture Design from Brunel University for developing his practice from Forest to Furniture.
In 2013 Philip was awarded an Arts Council grant to develop his creative process “Ideas in the Making,” which explores how ideas can evolve through the playful manipulation of materials.
As a Visiting Senior Fellow at the Open University, he researches how craft workshops train the next generation of entrepreneurial craftspeople. He has trained over twenty aspiring designer-makers, ten of whom have established their own workshops.
He holds a Life Fellowship from the Royal Society of Arts and Fellowships from the Institute of Wood Science and Chartered Society of Designers.
He has received numerous citations including:
The organic vitality of his designs reveals the oneness and humanity of his creative approach’ -- Professor Simon Olding, Director of the Crafts Study Centre, U.K.
Absolutely beautiful -- Channel 4
Organic and wildly eccentric--The Independent
…one of the finest craftsmen in wood in Britain today. -- BBC Homes & Antiques
OZ Whitehead Firesides
Series of informal zoom meetings called the OZ Whitehead Firesides, where we discuss topics related to discourses in society affecting humanity from a Baha’i perspective.
